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NEW BRUNSWICK – GRADE 9-12
The History of the Canadian Navy in New Brunswick
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, students will research the history of the Canadian Navy’s presence in
New Brunswick. They will examine the role played by corvettes on the North Atlantic
convoy routes. In addition, students will learn about the province’s main shipbuilding
yard and the construction of modern day ships for the Canadian Navy. Finally, they
will develop an appreciation of the modern Canadian Navy by studying present-day
ships that have a connection to the province.
Grade Level
9-12 (secondary school)
Time Required
This lesson requires three class periods.
Curriculum Connection (Province/Territory and course)
Atlantic Provinces Curriculum for Social Studies: Council of Atlantic Ministers of
Education and Training (CAMET): New Brunswick
Additional Resources, Materials and Equipment Required:
 Computers
 LCD projector
 Reference maps and atlases
 Student Activity #1: Brainstorming
 Student Activity #2: HMCS Brunswicker – The Stone Frigate
 Student Activity #3: The Battle of the Atlantic
 Student Activity #4: Ships of Yesterday and Today
 Student Activity #5: The Navy Today
 Student Activity #6: Building a Navy
 Student Assessment Questions
 Internet Access
Websites:
The Royal Canadian Navy in St. John
http://www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca/heritage/rcn/index.htm
The Canadian Navy – Canadian Geographic Magazine
http://www.canadiangeographic.ca/navy/
Heroes Remember – Victor Pellerin – Veterans Affairs Canada
http://www.vacacc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=collections/hrp/hrp_detail&media_id=2
205
The Battle of the Atlantic – Veterans Affairs Canada
http://www.vacacc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=history/secondwar/canada2/batatl
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The Royal Canadian Navy and the Battle of the Atlantic – Canadian War
Museum
http://www.civilization.ca/cwm/explore/military-history/dispatches/the-royalcanadian-navy-and-the-battle-of-the-atlantic-1939-1945
HMCS Sackville – Tour – Canadian Naval Memorial Trust
http://www.hmcssackville-cnmt.ns.ca/tour.html
Canadian Navy
http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cms/0/0_eng.asp
Halifax Class Patrol Frigate – Haze Gray & Underway – Naval History and
Photography
http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/canada/current/halifax/
HMCS Sackville: 1941-2000
http://www.cbrnp.com/RNP/Flower/ARTICLES/Sackville.htm
HMCS Fredericton (K 245)
http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/867.html
Building the Flower Class Corvette: The Smaller Ships Were Vital in World War
Two
http://canadianhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/building_the_corvette_ship
National Defence and Canadian Forces
http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/index.asp
Canadian Navy: HMCS Fredericton – News and Events
http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/fredericton/2/2-s_eng.asp
Main Objective:
Students will identify the impact of the Canadian Navy on the province of New
Brunswick. They will develop an understanding of the economic impact of naval ship
construction by comparing vessels and personnel from the Second World War and
the present.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Access information from print and online sources;

Understand the historical significance of the Canadian Navy’s role in New
Brunswick;

Understand the role of the corvettes in the movement of goods and men
during the Second World War;
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NEW BRUNSWICK – GRADE 9-12

Understand the economic impact of naval ship construction upon the
province;

Understand how modern technology has changed the role of sailors in the
Canadian Navy;

Understand how the life of a Canadian sailor is similar to the life of sailors in
the past.
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The Lesson
Teacher Activity
Introduction
Student Activity
Preparation:
Become familiar with the websites
that will be used for research in the
lesson. Use a website such as “The
Royal Canadian Navy in St. John” to
gather historical information on the
connection between the province of
New Brunswick and the Canadian
Navy.
For background information on the
formation of the Canadian Navy
visit the Canadian Geographic
website and go to the Navy
Centennial section.
Locate a short summary of the
events leading to the outbreak of the
Second World War as well as a
document on the early years of the
conflict. Pay particular attention to
the German efforts to boycott Britain
by using the Wolf Packs (U-Boats)
during the Battle of the Atlantic.
With Students:
1.Begin by inquiring:
1.Respond to questions.
Why would New Brunswick be
geographically and strategically
important to Canada in the
formation of the Canadian Navy?
What economic benefits would come
to New Brunswick due to the naval
presence?
2. Distribute copies of “Student
Activity #1: Brainstorming” and
instruct students (either individually
or in groups) to complete the web.
3. Discuss:
What made New Brunswick an
important location for the Canadian
Navy both before and at the start of
the Second World War?
2. Complete the brainstorming web. This
information is the starting point for the
lesson.
3. Participate in a discussion of the
geographic factors that made New
Brunswick an important location to the
Canadian Navy in the past.
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Why would many young New
Brunswickers want to join the
Canadian Navy at the start of the
Second World War?
What economic benefits flowed to
New Brunswick both during and
after the Second World War
because of the naval presence?
During the discussion, students
have the opportunity to
 Demonstrate an awareness
of the historical significance
of the Second World War.
 Identify the dangers faced
by young sailors involved in
getting the necessary
resources from North
America to Europe.
 Formulate conclusions about
the role played by New
Brunswick during this time.
Lesson
Development
1. Distribute “Student Activity #2:
HMCS Brunswicker – the Stone
Frigate” for students to complete.
2. Discuss the strategic location of
New Brunswick and how this was a
determining factor for the Canadian
Navy to locate themselves in Saint
John. Explore the concept of a
Naval Reserve. Discuss the
historical period of the Second
World War and the impact it had on
military and civilian life in the
province.
3. Distribute “Student Activity #3:
The Battle of the Atlantic”. Provide
background information about the
North Atlantic Convoy System.
Ask: Why do you think so many
young people would risk their lives
1. Complete Activity #2. Use the website
to obtain information on the historical role
played by New Brunswick in the
development of a Canadian Navy,
particularly the Naval Reserve.
2. Participate in class discussion.
3. Complete Activity #3 and participate in
the class discussion.
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during the Battle of the Atlantic?
How did the people who “served” at
home by waiting for their loved
ones feel?
4. Instruct students to present their
written responses to the class.
5. Distribute “Student Activity #4:
Ships of Yesterday and Today” for
students to complete. Assist with
completion as required.
NEW BRUNSWICK – GRADE 9-12
4. Share written responses with the class.
5. Complete Activity #4 using the website
links provided for the necessary
information. Participate in class discussion
to check for understanding.
Initiate a class discussion to check
for understanding:
 of how modern technology
has changed the tasks
performed by a member of
the Canadian Navy.
 of similarities between life at
sea for today’s sailors and
their wartime counterparts.
6. Pass out “Student Activity #5:
The Navy Today” for completion.
Direct students to:
6. Complete Activity #5. Present findings
to the class and discuss conclusions.
 give examples of the duties
and missions of the modern
Canadian Navy.
 discuss if and how the
Canadian Navy will continue
to be important in the
future.
Ask:
Will we still need the Canadian Navy
50 years from now? 100 years from
now? How will the Canadian Navy of
the future be different from today’s
Navy?
7. Distribute “Student Activity #6:
Building a Navy” for students to
complete. Instruct students to write
about the economic benefits of
shipbuilding. Inform students that a
debate on their findings will follow.
7. Complete Activity #6.
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Conclusion
1. Distribute the assessment
questions and collect them upon
completion.
2. Organize a debate on the
economic impact of shipbuilding in
New Brunswick.
NEW BRUNSWICK – GRADE 9-12
1. Complete assessment questions.
2. Debate the topic and create a list of
pros and cons.
Assessment
Evaluate the activity sheets, assessment questions, and participation in class
discussions and debate.
Lesson Extension

Research other places in Canada that have built ships for the Canadian Navy.
Compare their experience and degree of involvement with that of Saint John
and New Brunswick.
The National Film Board produced a series of films for the general public during the
Second World War. The National Film Board produced a series of films for the general
public during the Second World War. Ask students to review some of these movies
that are presented online.

Examples are http://www.nfb.ca/film/action_stations/ and
http://www.nfb.ca/film/atlantic_patrol/. Note the dramatic and sober tone of
the narration. Students can discuss the idea of propaganda and its use to
inform and motivate the general public.

Students can interview someone who is serving or has served with the
Canadian Navy.

Another interesting ship that had a connection to the province was HMCS
Saint John. This ship took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy in 1944
and torpedoed a German submarine, U-309, off the coast of Scotland in 1945.
Students can conduct independent research on the ship.
Link to Canadian National Standards for Geography
Essential Element #2: Places and Regions




Physical and human processes shape places and regions
The importance of places and regions to individual and social identity
Changes in places and regions over time
Critical issues and problems of places and regions
Essential Element #4: Human Systems


Cooperation and conflict in the division and control of Earth’s surface
Economic development by world regions, country and regions within countries
Essential Element #6: The Uses of Geography
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
NEW BRUNSWICK – GRADE 9-12
Influence of geographical features on the evolution of significant historic
events and movements
Geographic Skill #2: Acquiring Geographic Information


Systematically locate and gather geographic information from a variety of
primary and secondary sources.
Systematically assess the value and use of geographic information.
Geographic Skill #4: Analyzing Geographic Information

Make inferences and draw conclusions from maps and other geographic
representations.
Geographic Skill # 5: Answering Geographic questions



Formulate valid generalizations from the results of various kinds of geographic
inquiry.
Evaluate the answers to geographic questions.
Apply geographic models, generalizations and theories to the analysis,
interpretation and presentation of geographic information.
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Student Activity #1:
Brainstorming
Instructions: Use the brainstorming web below to record your thoughts about the
connection between the province of New Brunswick and the Canadian Navy.
Geographic factors
impacting the Navy’s
role in New Brunswick
The Navy &
New
Brunswick
Economic Impact on
New Brunswick
Historic role played by
NB in the development
of the Canadian Navy
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Student Activity #2:
HMCS Brunswicker – The Stone Frigate
The Canadian Navy has had a presence in the city of Saint John since 1923.
Research this connection using the website below:
http://www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca/heritage/rcn/index.htm
1. List five (5) interesting facts that you discovered about the presence of the
Canadian Navy in Saint John before the Second World War. What is a Reserve
Unit? Why do you think Saint John was chosen as a site for a Reserve Unit?
Does the Canadian Navy still have Reserve Units today?
2. Imagine that you are a young civilian living in Saint John during the Second
World War. Write a three-day entry in your diary describing what life was like
in the city during wartime.
3. Veterans Affairs Canada has published an online resource called “Heroes
Remember”. One of the stories is about Mr. Victor Pellerin. Read his story
from the website below and write a paragraph that describes what you think
young men like Victor would have felt during the Second World War.
Website: http://www.vacacc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=collections/hrp/hrp_detail&media_id=2205
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Student Activity #3:
The Battle of the Atlantic
Task #1:
Read an account of the Battle of the Atlantic from Veterans Affairs Canada at
http://www.vacacc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=history/secondwar/canada2/batatl
OR
The Canadian War Museum at http://www.civilization.ca/cwm/explore/militaryhistory/dispatches/the-royal-canadian-navy-and-the-battle-of-the-atlantic-19391945.
Task #2:
Navy Convoy, Second World War
Source:
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1A
RTA0000379
Imagine that you were aboard a Canadian corvette escorting convoys during the
Battle of the Atlantic. Write an account in your diary describing the hard work and
the dangers that you faced. Describe some of the feelings that would be going
through your mind during this period. You may imagine instead that you are a loved
one of someone serving at sea (a parent, sibling, wife or sweetheart). Write about
your feelings and concerns.
Task #3
Take a tour of HMCS Sackville. Use the website http://www.hmcssackvillecnmt.ns.ca/tour.html to find a virtual view of the ship.
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Student Activity #4: Ships of Yesterday and Today
Task: Use the following websites to complete chart below.
http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cms/0/0_eng.asp
http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/canada/current/halifax/
http://www.cbrnp.com/RNP/Flower/ARTICLES/Sackville.htm
http://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/867.html
http://canadianhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/building_the_corvette_ship
HMCS Fredericton
(Then)(First of the name)
Launched – when
and where
Measurements
Armaments and
Countermeasures
Speed
Complement
Area of Operation
Daily Life of
Sailors
(Similarities and
Differences)
HMCS Fredericton (Now)
(Second of the name)
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Student Activity #5: The Navy Today
Each ship of the fleet has its own website under the Canadian Forces website
(www.forces.gc.ca).
Open the “News And Events” section of HMCS Fredericton
(http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/fredericton/2/2-s_eng.asp) to help you answer the
following questions:
1. What modern day tasks do Canada’s naval forces undertake?
2. Tours at sea can be long in duration. What effect do you think this has on
sailors?
3. Why is it important for HMCS Fredericton crew members to be involved with
volunteer activities outside their official duties?
4. What are the effects of these volunteer activities?
Student Activity #6: Building a Navy
Source: http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/fredericton/7/7-s_eng.asp?keyword=[05-337
Nine of the twelve ships of the Halifax Class Frigate Program were constructed at
Saint John Shipbuilding Ltd. in Saint John and three ships were constructed at Davie
Shipbuilding in Lauzon, Quebec. The photos above were taken during the
construction of HMCS Fredericton.



Name 10 jobs that would have been needed during the construction of these
ships.
What economic benefits besides direct jobs would have come to New
Brunswick due to this project?
The late 1990s saw Saint John Shipbuilding left with little work after the
Halifax Class frigates were completed. Finally, in 2003, it closed its doors.
Outline the benefits and costs for a shipyard in obtaining a large project such
as the Frigate Program.
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Assessment Questions
Answer the following questions:
1. Why was New Brunswick in an important position geographically in the
development of the Canadian Navy?
2. Why has HMCS Brunswicker often been referred to as “the stone frigate”?
3. What challenges did the young sailors aboard the corvettes face during the Battle
of the Atlantic?
4. Many people say the little corvette “won” the Battle of the Atlantic? Why?
5. How is life aboard a modern naval ship similar to life aboard a wartime corvette?
6. How is life aboard a modern naval ship different to life aboard a wartime
corvette?
7. What economic benefits came to the province of New Brunswick due to the
construction of naval ships in the shipyard at Saint John?
8. In your own words, describe the importance of the tasks performed by the
Canadian Navy.